Auto Mechanic Schools in South Carolina

Anyone who happens to be fascinated by how automotive systems work would do well to consider a career as an auto mechanic. In today’s fast-moving world, cars can do much more than just driving from one point to another.

Consequently, more is demanded from auto mechanics, and more is offered in compensation.

Residents in the state of South Carolina who are already set on starting their careers as auto mechanics will be glad to know that the state remains one of the best practices in the country.

Below, we examine everything they need to know to begin their journey in this field. We discuss the possible alternative education pathways, certification and licensing requirements, top programs in the state, and the potential salary and job outlook.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in South Carolina

Below are the key considerations for launching an auto mechanic career in South Carolina.

Basic Prerequisites

The first thing that candidates have to worry about on their road to becoming an auto mechanic in South Carolina is the basic educational requirement. This includes being a high school graduate possessing either a diploma or a GED equivalent in its place.

While no law in the country mandates applicants to have these credentials, employers and training programs usually ask for it.

Obtaining Technical Training

Moving on from the basic prerequisite, the next step to becoming an auto mechanic in South Carolina is to acquire formal training.

Thankfully, there are numerous training programs all over the state, which can be separated into two categories — academic programs and apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs.

Academic Programs vs On-the-Job Training

Technical colleges and trade schools in South Carolina offer top-quality automotive technology training to prepare future auto mechanics for their duties. Apprenticeship programs and certain auto companies and car dealers also offer candidates the opportunity to learn on the job.

Academic programs focus on classroom instructions but usually make provisions for hands-on training.

Some may do so in the school workshop or via internships and collaboration with automakers and dealerships.

It is also possible to combine both academic programs and on-the-job training. For instance, some academic programs allow candidates to secure part-time employment elsewhere while still enrolled and learning.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a CNC machinist in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As an auto mechanic in South Carolina, you don’t have to worry about getting a license from a state board or any other state commission. You also technically don’t have to worry about certification either.

However, many auto mechanics in the state still choose to become certified anyway, simply because of the practical benefits of doing so. For one, certified usually have a significant edge over those who are not. Certification also goes a long way in helping candidates stand out in their specialty fields.

For some time now, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has been considered the most popular destination for auto mechanics looking to obtain respectable certification in a specialized field. The Automotive Service Excellence offers the opportunity to become certified as an automobile electrical/electronic systems specialist and engine repair specialist, among others.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in South Carolina

Aspiring automotive mechanics in South Carolina may consider any of the programs below for top-quality training in automotive technology.

Explore Auto Mechanic Schools in South Carolina by City:

• Auto Mechanic Schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

In South Carolina, an average auto mechanic earns an annual salary of around $57,290. They may take advantage of a few career opportunities to scale their earnings and move closer to the annual average salary of the state’s top 10% of auto mechanics (around $91,843).

Those in the bottom 10% by earnings will still earn an annual average salary of $35,736. The overtime earning figures for these professionals are around $5,712 every year.

Concerning the best locations within South Carolina to practice as an auto mechanic, they include West Columbia, with an annual average salary of $78,972; Charleston, with an annual average salary of $71,456; Columbia, with an annual average salary of $62,702; Summerville, with an annual average salary of $61,671; and Spartanburg, with an annual average salary of $61,597.